DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson has spent the week scouring the transfer market in a bid to strengthen a forward-line ravaged by suspension and injury.

But his biggest loss could prove to be influential skipper and defender Craig Liddle as Quakers try to get their promotion bid back on track against Boston United at the Williamson Motors Stadium this afternoon.

Liddle has played only a bit-part in Quakers' preparations this week after suffering a recurrence of recent knee and stomach problems.

The 33-year-old recently returned from a six-week injury lay-off after recovering from a double hernia operation, having already missed eight games this season with a rare strength deficiency in one leg.

The defender cancelled knee surgery last year to help Quakers avoid relegation.

And last night assistant manager Mark Proctor expressed his fears that Liddle was now paying the price.

"Craig continuously puts his body at risk to play and it is taking its toll," admitted Proctor. "He's played on when a lot of players wouldn't.

"Lids has played through a lot of pain in the past and I think we have a responsibility to decide when he can and can't play.

"Typically, he's desperate to play against Boston, although we know that he can't afford to take many more risks at this stage of his career.

"There is no doubt that he's a massive loss when he's not in the team but we're confident there are players here who are capable of coming in and doing a good job."

Curtis Fleming will earn a recall if, as expected, Liddle is ruled out.

While Hodgson has an abundance of cover in the defensive department, he has a major selection headache in attack.

Leading scorer Alun Armstrong, Clyde Wijnhard and Neil Wainwright all serve one-match bans after reaching five yellow cards against Swansea City, while Ian Clark has been ruled out for a week with an ankle injury.

Craig Russell is expected to lead the line this afternoon, although Hodgson has yet to decide on who will partner the ex-Sunderland man after failing to land released Newcastle striker Lewis Guy last week.

Cardiff City's Andy Campbell was linked with a loan switch to the Williamson Motors Stadium on Thursday, although Hodgson has conceded that he may have to utilise what is already at his disposal as Campbell weighs up a move to Bristol City.

Craig Hignett is unlikely to make a timely return, despite training on Thursday. The 35-year-old has been sidelined for three weeks with a groin problem and is still lacking match fitness.

Hignett could start on the bench and youth-team strikers Gavin Parkin and Richard Logan are also on standby.

Mark Convery is the leading contender to partner Russell in attack, while Hodgson and Proctor may choose to revert to a 4-4-2 system to accommodate their limited options.

Fans have yet to see the best of winger Bobby Petta in a 3-5-2 formation and Proctor believes the Dutchman would have more impact in attack in a 4-4-2.

He said: "I think switching to a 4-4-2 would give Bobby that licence to play further up the pitch to use his skills and strengths.

"We've seen flashes of what he's capable of going forward and I think he would be one player who would benefit."

Petta was one of several big-name players who failed to perform in last week's 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient.

Dutch compatriot Wijnhard was substituted after just 31 minutes as Quakers slipped out of the play-off zone for the fourth time this season.

With 11 games remaining Proctor has warned that Quakers can ill-afford to drop points this afternoon, especially with the visit of top-of-the-table Yeovil next Saturday.

"It's another massive game for us and I don't think a point will do for us," said Proctor.

"We've got arguably an even tougher game next week against Yeovil."

Quakers have collected 19 points from a possible 24 in their last eight home games and Proctor added: "When you look at it we have the advantage of being at home, with the crowd behind us, and we have to make that count.''

With Wainwright unavailable, former Middlesbrough winger Keith Gilroy could make his Quaker debut after signing non-contract terms this week.

Midfielder Jonjo Dickman is also in the squad after joining in a free transfer from Sunderland.

Neil Maddison is fit, despite picking up a facial injury at Orient, and will make his 100th league start for his home-town club.

Boston, who lie 14th in League Two, will hand a debut to Darlington-born defender Alan White, seven days after playing his last game for Orient against Quakers.

Read more about the Quakers here.